Right in the heart of Center City, amidst the hustle and bustle of business people, shoppers and commuters alike, you’ll find Cleavers—a cheesesteak shop that makes Philly proud. The setting is industrial meets rustic, with stainless steel lighting and farm doors flanking the “fresh beef, no bull” portrait of a butcher on the wall upstairs.
Step up to the traditional deli counter and tell them how you want your sandwich. No matter what you order, Cleavers specializes in 100% USDA domestic ribeye, freshly baked bread topped with artisanal ingredients, alongside hand-crafted salads and sides.
If you’re up for their speciality, try the classic cheesesteak. You’ll unwrap the retro black-and-white checkered paper to reveal the perfect blend of ribeye steak with your choice of cheese (go for the cheese wiz, or “wit wiz” if you want it Philly style), onions or mushrooms on a seeded or plain roll. The shreds of ribeye are juicy and tender. They harmonize with the sliced seared mushrooms, chunks of char-grilled onions and a layer of gooey cheese on the bottom of a fluffy roll with just the perfect crust.
If chicken is more your style, Cleavers’ chicken cheesesteak is sure to please. Cubes of moist, peppery grilled chicken contrast with the slightly crunchy grilled onions and provolone cheese. It’s fresh and light, with a little bite and without the slightest hint of grease.
What’s a cheesesteak without a little something on the side? Cleavers offers sides for every palate. Try the fried pickles—lightly breaded with flecks of dill and lightly fried to the perfect crunch. The best thing about them is you don’t lose the pickle flavor, even though they’re fried. Dip ‘em in fiery hot sriracha mayonnaise for an added kick and creaminess.
And of course, nothing goes better with a cheesesteak than piping hot fries. Cleavers’ garlic parmesan waffle fries come topped with curls of parmesan and lots (we mean lots) of garlic. The fries are crisp but tender on the inside with a sharp, garlicky bite.
Put it all together, and you’ve got one impressive Philly-style spread! Whether you order it “wiz wit” or “wiz witout,” Cleavers is sure to satisfy.
This March, Cleavers will be celebrating its first birthday in true cheesesteak style. The restaurant has partnered with the Pennsylvania Cheese Guild to create three one-of-a-kind sandwiches and loaded waffle fries. Available for a limited time, these premium offerings are a perfect marriage of prime domestic ribeye or chicken and artisanal cheese from regional creameries.
A different specialty item will be showcased each week:
- Week 1, March 4–10: Trio Steak—ribeye steak with Caputo Brothers’ provola piccante (a hand-stretched, young provolone-style cheese with a pleasant kick), green peppers, raw onions and red salsa on a seeded roll
- Week 2, March 11–17: Fresco—chicken cutlet with Shellbark Hollow’s goat cheese, arugula and balsamic glaze on a seeded roll
- Week 3, March 18–24: Chicken Fajita—grilled chicken with Caputo Brothers’ provola piccante, along with fried onions, green peppers and guacamole on an unseeded roll
- Week 4, March 25–31: Waffle Taco—waffle fries, grilled chicken, white cheddar sauce and pico de gallo with sour cream
Hours of operation are Sunday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m., and Friday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Visit the Cleavers website or call the restaurant to place an order.
Find Cleavers at 108 S. 18th St. in Philadelphia; phone: (215) 515-3828.
- Top photo: Hannah Moulden
- Remaining photos: Cleavers
